Alp İ.
Photonics, vol.13, no.3, pp.1-16, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
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Publication Type:
Article / Article
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Volume:
13
Issue:
3
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Publication Date:
2026
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Doi Number:
10.3390/photonics13030302
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Journal Name:
Photonics
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Journal Indexes:
Scopus, Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Compendex, INSPEC, Directory of Open Access Journals
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Page Numbers:
pp.1-16
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Gazi University Affiliated:
Yes
Abstract
This study presents the design of a compact low-index-contrast structure capable of trapping electromagnetic waves within a highly confined region. The energy storage performance of the geometries was enhanced using a genetic algorithm that employed a binary (present/absent) assignment of insulating cylinders. Time-domain simulations performed with MEEP were experimentally validated using precisely positioned 𝜃-phase alumina rods, resulting in a 13 dB increase in receiver-antenna power within the microwave regime. The measurements showed a correlation exceeding 99% with the computational results over a dielectric constant range of 4.5 to 5.0. A quality factor of Q =3.6 ×103 was measured at 5.08 GHz in the experiment. Subsequently, machine learning techniques were applied, further increasing the Q value to approximately 104, even within such a small configuration. Furthermore, the proposed structure does not require a complete photonic bandgap; instead, relatively high-Q factors were achieved by suppressing radiation losses through a pattern of low-index dielectric rods.